A dog typically bleeds for between seven and fourteen days when she is in heat, and the bleeding itself occurs during the first part of an overall heat period of around three weeks. There is, however, a great deal of variation from bitch to bitch. Some bleed only very slightly for six to eight days, others a little longer, and small breeds often bleed so discreetly that it is almost unnoticeable. How long a dog bleeds during heat depends on factors such as breed, age, size and the individual dog's cycle, so it is more of a range than a fixed rule.
The bleeding is heaviest at the beginning and gradually decreases throughout the period. In the beginning the blood is often bright red, and towards the end it typically changes to a lighter, more pink or yellowish colour as the amount decreases. This is entirely normal and part of the body's natural process. Precisely because many bitches keep themselves clean by licking, it can be difficult to determine exactly when the bleeding begins and ends.
When does the bleeding decrease, and when does it stop?
The heaviest days usually fall within the first two weeks, after which the bleeding slowly becomes lighter. In many bitches the most visible bleeding is over after around a week to ten days, but it is common for there still to be a little discharge in the days afterwards. The colour change from red towards pink or yellowish is often a good sign that you are approaching the end of the most intensive phase.
Even though the bleeding decreases, it does not mean that the heat is over. The overall heat typically lasts about three weeks, and your dog may still be affected - both physically with a swollen vulva and more frequent urination, and behaviourally - in the days after the visible blood is gone. That is why it is wise to keep an eye on the entire process and not just the days when you see blood.
The four phases of heat and what they mean for the bleeding
A bitch's cycle is typically divided into four phases: proestrus, estrus, diestrus and anestrus. It is the first two that you notice most clearly. Proestrus is the phase where the bleeding begins, the vulva swells, and the bitch attracts male dogs without wanting to let them approach. It usually lasts around nine days, but can vary. In estrus the bleeding decreases, the colour becomes lighter, and this is now when the bitch becomes receptive to mating.
It is an important point that your dog is not necessarily most fertile on the day you first see blood. Ovulation often occurs some way into the process, typically somewhere between around day ten and fourteen, that is, at a time when the bleeding has already begun to decrease. Diestrus and anestrus are the subsequent phases, where the body settles down again ahead of the next heat. Most bitches come into heat around twice a year, often at intervals of about six to seven months, and small breeds can in some cases come into heat a little more frequently.
How to keep your home clean without bothering your dog
The bleeding is natural, but few people want blood on carpets, sofas and floors. A practical solution is a dog nappy for bitches, which collects the blood and makes everyday life more manageable during the days when the bleeding is heaviest. Choose one that fits well without being too tight, and change it regularly so that the skin around the vulva stays dry and clean. Many bitches, incidentally, keep themselves nice and clean by licking, and you should let them do this to a reasonable extent - it is part of their natural behaviour.
Feel free to place a washable blanket on the dog's favourite spots, and keep your daily routes a little shorter and calmer if your dog seems more sensitive. Avoid dog parks and places with many intact male dogs throughout the entire heat, and preferably a couple of extra days if you are unsure of when the period is actually over. Remember that the risk of unwanted mating follows the entire heat and not just the days when you see blood.
Changed behaviour and appetite during heat
In addition to the bleeding itself, the hormones often affect the dog's mood and energy. Some bitches become more affectionate, restless or a bit out of sorts, while others become quieter and more withdrawn. It is also common for the appetite to fluctuate during the period, so that your dog eats less on some days. As long as the fluctuations are small, there is rarely cause for concern, but it can be a good idea to give her a little extra peace and presence during the days when she is most affected.
Precisely because the appetite can go up and down, it matters a great deal that the meals taste good and are easy to digest. Here a tasty PÂTÉ meal can make a difference on the days when the desire for food is a little lower. Our PÂTÉ for dogs is prepared from fresh produce and human-grade ingredients and can either be served as a complete meal or used as a tempting addition on top of the daily food. If your dog has a sensitive stomach during the period, in our selection for sensitive stomachs you will find relevant meals gathered with gentle digestion in mind. If you are unsure of what suits your particular dog best, ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisers are ready by phone, chat or email to help you find the right meals.
The young bitch's first heat
The first heat typically comes when the bitch is between around six and twelve months old, and small breeds are often earlier than large ones. The first time can be more irregular than later on, and some young bitches bleed only sparingly, while others show clearer signs. This makes it extra important to keep an eye on the start date, duration and behaviour, so that you get to know your dog's very own rhythm. It becomes easier to plan everyday life from time to time once you know the pattern.
If you have a young dog who is still growing, nutrition is particularly important in this phase. Our meals for puppies and young dogs are composed for the early stage of life with luxurious, fresh produce, and in our Puppy universe you will find a well-considered overview, where the advice comes directly from ESSENTIAL FOODS. That way you are well prepared, both when it comes to heat and to everything else that comes with a young bitch in the house.
When should you contact the vet?
Bleeding during heat is entirely normal, but there are situations where it is worth having a vet look at your dog. This applies if the bleeding is unusually heavy and does not decrease as expected, if the discharge smells unpleasant or looks different from what you are used to, or if your dog at the same time seems lethargic, loses her appetite completely or otherwise appears unwell. Also, if the heat drags on well beyond the usual three weeks, it can be a good idea to have it checked.
If you know your dog's normal course, it becomes easier to notice when something stands out. Feel free to note down how long she bleeds, when the colour changes, and how she behaves, so that you have a basis for comparison from time to time. If you are in doubt about anything health-related, the vet is always the right place to turn. Then you can calmly let the heat take care of itself and spend your energy on making those three weeks as safe and comfortable as possible for your bitch.